DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1915, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

TARIKI. (From Our Own Correspondent). A social and dance was held on the 17th inst. as a "send off" to Private Roche, our late stationmastei', who was here on leave of absence from Trentham, where he is a member of the C Company, Earl of Liverpool's Own. In spite of the short notice, there was a. large attendance, and a very pleasant evening was spent. The items contributed were: Song, Miss Thompson; recitation, Mrs. Hoskin; song, Miss Richardson; duet, Private Hooker and Mrs. Hoskins. IPrior to supper, Mr. Stephenson, cliairman of the committee, said the guest of the evening had gained the respect of all by the efficient manner in which he had carried out his duties, and would, he was confident, be equally conscientious in carrying out his military duties. (Applause). After expressing the admiration that lie and Tariki people felt for men like Private Roche, who were gallantly responding to their country's call, the chairman called on the president of the ladies' committee (Mrs. Eason) to buckle on a wristlet watch, which he asked Private Roche to accept as a slight memento of esteem from Tariki friends. Mrs. Eason gracefully performed the adjustment of the watch amid enthusiastic applause, followed by "For lie's a jolly good fellow," and three ringing cheers for the gallant private and his company mate, Private Hooker, of New Plymouth, who was present. Private Roche briefly and suitably expressed his thanks to the people of Tariki for their kind gift and for the very pleasant evening they were giving him. After supper the interesting function concluded with the National Anthem and "Auld Lang Syne." Mr. John Ileal has received a letter from his son Ernest, of the Second ReinI'oicements, dated July 29, in which Private Heal (writing from the trenches) said he had seen a lot of fighting, but from the tone of -his letter he was in good health and spirits. A letter has also been received from Stan Swartfeger, who had been in the trenches eight weeks on end, and was expecting to be relieved for a spell shortly. He was in good health and seemed to be quite happy. Those who know Stan are not surprised, for though young, he is exceptionally powerful and active, and in every respect an ideal infantryman. The following is a list of the articles made by the ladies' sewing guild and forwarded to the base hospital at Alexandra:—lo suits of pyjamas, 9 pairs flannel underpants, 6 flannel shirts, 8 nightingales, 15 cholera belts, 5 pairs bed sox 6 pairs sox, 25 bags. '